1 on 1 student Conversation:

Student made up name: Jared (not the students real name)

Context: In class I was giving a lesson, I asked a question to the class. This was a question that required
students to raise their hands and not shout out answers. I overlooked a table of students because in my
classes I do not want a single voice or a certain group of voices to dominate the conversations. I chose a
different table of students to answer the question. One of the students at the table said to his peers, “he
is probably racist.” The student did not say this in the context of being serious, it was intended to be a
joke to his friends, he was also not intending me to hear him. After I heard him say that I made sure to
grab him after class and have a conversation with him about it.

Conversation:

Mr. Sinn: In class I heard you tell your friends I am probably racist, is that correct?

Jared: Yes.

Mr. Sinn: Why would you use that word to describe me? I noticed you laughed after saying it, I am
presuming you were using it in a joking manner?

Jared: Yes, I said it to be funny.

Mr. Sinn: Okay, so do you know what racism is?

Jared: Yes, it is treating someone differently due to the color of their skin.

Mr. Sinn: Okay, I wanted to make sure you knew what racism was before we talk about why you said
this. Since you used racism in the context of a joke, is racism a joke to you?

Jared: (eyes get big) No.

Mr. Sinn: Do you know the impact that racism has had on people and still having on people today?
throwing that word around inappropriately can have serious consequences on the person you make that
up about. I took an entire these class about the Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s in the United States.
Racism a terrible thing, tons of people have lost their lives due to racism and still are losing their lives.
Do you understand why I am having this conversation with you?

Jared: Yes.

Mr. Sinn: If this happens again I won’t wait to have a conversation after class with you. I will personally
walk you across the hallway to administrations office and we will get them and parents involved. Do you
understand the consequences that will come if this happens again.

Jared: Yes.